LAFC are expecting big things from Brian Rodriguez.
It has been a busy Wednesday for LAFC.
The team announced on Wednesday that they had filled its third Designated Player spot, and it went to a familiar place to find that player, as they finalized a deal with 19-year old Uruguayan forward Brian Rodriguez from Penarol.
“Brian is an exciting and dynamic player who is one of the top talents in South America,” LAFC General Manager John Thorrington said in a statement. “Acquiring a player of Brian’s quality in this window is another powerful statement from LAFC about our commitment to winning and building a Club that excites our supporters.”
If the name Penarol sounds familiar, that’s because it is the same club that Diego Rossi came from, and that acquisition prior to last season turned out pretty well. Rodriguez has appeared in 26 matches total during his time with Penarol, registering three goals and nine assists in all competitions.
It is with the Uruguayan national team however that Rodriguez has been making his impact. Rodriguez played for Uruguay in the Under-20 World Cup and started three of four matches and registering two goals and one assist.
“We’re very excited to bring Brian to LAFC,” said head coach, Bob Bradley. “He is an exciting player that will fit in with our style of football, and we can’t wait to work with him.”
The acquisition of Rodriguez was not LAFC’s only transaction on the day. The team also traded forward Chrisitian Ramirez to the Houston Dynamo for $250,000 in Allocation Money ($175,000 in General Allocation Money and $75,000 in Targeted Allocation Money). Ramirez was acquired by LAFC from Minnesota United last season and in 28 appearances and scored six goals. Ramirez most likely was moved in order to make room for Rodriguez.
“Christian played an important role for us both on and off the field in his time with LAFC,” Thorrington said. “We appreciate his contributions to the Club and wish him all the best moving forward.”
LAFC retains a commanding lead in the Western Conference, 14 points clear of second-place Minnesota. LAFC will have a key Sunday night match against the New York Red Bulls at Banc of California Stadium.
